Perhaps Granny was standing in the sun too long, because she’s not making any sense. “Who do you mean,” I ask, “the author or the cat?”
“The cat, of course.”
What can I say to that?
Who knows if it’s true, or if Granny is recalling someother cat she conversed with; at her age, it’s anyone’s guess. I thank my grandmother, who lifts one skinny arm in a queenly wave and heads down Main Street toward her shop.
I can’t leave yet, because I still need to finish sweeping the glass inside the bakery and wait for the gaping hole to be boarded up by my overprotective cousin; Jake texted me a little while ago when he heard what happened and told me he’s picking up the plywood for my window.
I grab the broom and sweep up the shards, going over the floor twice; I debate sweeping it a third time, but Teddy will want to go over the entire floor again anyway, so I leave that job to my perfect, persnickety boyfriend.
Boyfriend…I’m dumping the pile of broken glass bits into a heavy-duty trash bag when I pause and straighten; I have an honest-to-goodness, totally amazing boyfriend!
Boyfriend…Handsome-as-a-Norse-god Teddy Barker lovesme, cranky, careless, chaotic Sophie Spellman Brownlee!
I stop and pinch myself.
“What are you doing?” asks Jake, who’s standing in the doorway.
“Um… just thinking.”
“You were pinching your arm.” Jake scowls at me, probably worried I’m losing it. He’s brought his tool chest with him and sets it down on the floor.
“It’s been a long morning.”
Jake’s frown lines deepen. “I’m so sorry Sophie; we’llfind him, I promise.”
“You think it was Rafe too?”
He nods. “Don’t you? It sure doesn’t appear to be a random act of vandalism.”
I feel deflated all over again, which is depressing so soon after pinching myself with joy over Teddy. I huff out a sigh. “Unfortunately, I think you’re right… which makes me really nervous, especially for Teddy given his history with Rafe.”
Jake growls through gritted teeth, “I plan to track down that sorry excuse for a wolf before he causes any more trouble. The only good news here is that Teddy held his own against a larger, much more aggressive werewolf. Teddy is stronger than you may realize.”
I hug myself and grin like a kid on her first day of summer break. “Oh, I know he’s strong.” And kind, gentle, loving, forgiving… but I don’t say that to Jake, who’s canted his head to the side.
Jake stares at me for a few beats and then says, “Teddy told you.”
“About the mate bond thingy?”
When Jake nods, I say, “Yes, he told me quite a bit, actually.” My cousin can tell by the happy grin plastered on my face that Teddy and I did more than talk about our mate bond.
“Ah yes, puppy love,” grumbles Jake, but he’s smiling.
“You should try it sometime; you might find you’re a bit less growly.”
Jake ignores that last remark and grunts, “Come give me a hand before you float away on Cupid’s wings.”
“You’re such a grump.” I punch his armlightly.
“Takes one to know one,” he quips, and we both chuckle. Then he adds softly, “I’m truly happy for you and Teddy.”
“Thanks, Jake.” A fleeting look of sadness clouds his eyes, and I realize how lonely he must be; it can’t be easy being a werewolf alpha without a mate of his own. “She’s out there.”
“Who?” asks Jake.
“Your fated mate.”
